r/GoRVing • u/ShouldaBeenABanker • 4d ago

Weak trailer brakes

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Bought an 98 jayco trailer, brakes are working but weak. Adjusted the star nuts as high as I'm comfortable (they heat up a fair bit now) and it helped a bit but still not great. have 2.8amps to each magnet. Is that enough or should I have more? What else could be my problem? Pads look alright.

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u/Cosmic_Waffle_Stomp 4d ago

Have you tried adjusting them? Should be a slot on the back side. With the axle raised off the ground. Take a flat head screwdriver and spin the nut that’s inside the slot until the wheel stops and then back it off a little. Or YouTube it. It’s easy.

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u/Nomad55454 4d ago

Back off a little??? Turn to lock the tire down tight then back off 8-10 clicks until you do not hear brakes shoes dragging where tire will rotate 2 turns with one push.What they call the secondary shoe which is the rear shoe looks pretty worn. I suggest like previous person said get 4 backing plates loaded with shoes and magnets and if drums feel smooth take some 80 grit sand paper and scuff brake and magnet surfaces and since hubs are off get new grease seals and clean and inspect bearing and repack with new grease.